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What are the main PFD types?
What Are The Five Kinds Of PFDs Available? The aquatic environment offers a variety of life jackets to choose from. It is essential to be informed about the ideal type of life jacket for specific vessels, dangerous waters, or close to shore.
A PFD, or Personal Flotation Device, is a device secured to the wearer's body to keep them afloat if they fall into the water.
Water sports enthusiasts, as well as boaters, require life jackets for their activities. This safety gear will maintain the wearer upright on the water's surface until assistance arrives.
Type I: Offshore Life Jackets
The Type I PFD is the ultimate flotation protection, offering maximum coverage. These life jackets contain a minimum of 22 pounds of buoyancy (11 pounds for children), with most of the buoyancy located at the front of the jacket. They are considered the safest option when rescue may take some time. If you plan on boating alone or in stormy conditions in open, rough, or remote waters, investing in a Type I PFD is recommended. You can also find them on commercial cruising, racing, or offshore fishing vessels. The padding and insulation help prevent hypothermia, but these bulky vests can hinder swimming ability.
Designed for use in harsh or remote waters where help may be far away, these vests provide ample buoyancy and are ideal for flotation. In the event of unconsciousness, they will turn the wearer face up in the water.
Type II: Near-Shore Vests
Designed for calmer waters, Type II PFDs provide less flotation (15.5 pounds for adults) and are best suited for peaceful, inland waterways where rescue is close by. Not all Type II PFDs will turn unconscious wearers face-up. Inflatable Type II PFDs, which provide up to 22.5 pounds of flotation, are much more buoyant than foam Type II PFDs. Although they offer less flotation than Type I, they are more comfortable and allow for greater mobility while in the water.
These life jackets are primarily appropriate for use in gentle waters where quick rescue is likely. Although they are highly buoyant, they may not turn some unconscious wearers face-up in the water.
Type III: Flotation Aids
Type III PFDs, like Type II, have a minimum buoyancy of 15.5 pounds and are often used for recreational water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, fishing, and operating personal watercraft. They are most effective when immediate rescue is accessible. These PFDs are not ideal for survival in rough waters like a Type I. They offer more comfort than other types and allow for more significant movement, but the user must manually turn themselves face-up, as it does not automatically put them in a breathing position.
These life jackets are suitable for calm waters where rescue is near, but not recommended for rough waters as they will not automatically turn most unconscious wearers face up. They are a favourite among wakeboarders, skiers, and surfers.
Type IV: Throwable Devices
A Type IV PFD is not worn but thrown to someone in need. It can come in the form of rings, horseshoe-shaped cushions, or flotation devices with handles and provides flotation ranging from 16.5-18 lbs. In an emergency situation, throw the device to a conscious swimmer who can then grab onto the flotation and hold onto the handles. It's important to note that sitting on a Type IV PFD will damage the foam and therefore should not be done. This type of PFD is not the best choice for paddling as it doesn't securely attach to the body.
As per the Idaho Boating Laws, vessels measuring 16 feet or longer (excluding canoes and kayaks of any length) must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV PFD on board. It's important to note that this type of PFD is not intended to be worn, and, therefore not suitable for rough waters or individuals unable to grasp it.
Type V: Special-Use Devices
These vests are designed for specific sporting activities, such as kayaking, windsurfing, or wakeboarding.
When using a Type V PFD, it's essential to follow the instructions on the label.
Type V PFDs have a range of buoyancy, from 15.5 to 22 lbs and are specially designed for specific activities, such as kayak rescue vests, sailing harnesses, or deck suits. Some commercial guest PFDs are designed with a neck pillow to keep the head above water and are classified as Type V. These vests may also come with a quick-release tab attached to a line and ring, designed for live-bait rescue. Before using this type of vest, make sure to receive proper training on its various functions.
Read more: The best life jacket (PFDs) for you
Make sure all your PFDs are in good condition
When using personal flotation devices, it's important to follow these guidelines to ensure that they provide adequate flotation and protection in case of an emergency:
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Choose the correct type of PFD: Make sure that the PFD you choose is appropriate for the activity in which you will be participating and meets the relevant safety standards and certifications for your country or region.
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Proper fit: Make sure that the PFD fits well and is comfortable to wear. A PFD that is too loose or too tight can be uncomfortable and may not provide adequate flotation.
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Wear the PFD at all times: Always wear your PFD when participating in water-based activities, even if you are a strong swimmer. Unexpected events, such as sudden illness or injury, can occur, and having a PFD on will increase your chances of survival.
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Make sure the PFD is in good condition: Before each use, inspect the PFD to make sure that it is in good condition, free of rips, tears, or other damage. Replace a PFD that is damaged or worn out.
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Store the PFD properly: Store your PFD in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not store a PFD in an area where it may be exposed to gasoline or other chemicals.
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Make sure everyone on board has a PFD: Make sure that there is a PFD available for everyone on board a boat or watercraft, including children and pets.
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Know how to use your PFD: Be familiar with how to use it, including how to adjust the straps and fasten the buckles and how to use it in an emergency situation.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your PFD provides adequate flotation and protection in case of an emergency, and helps to keep you and your loved ones safe while participating in water-based activities.
